By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
As originally published by Texas Border Business newsprint edition June 2018
During a 3rd hard-hat event and while the Bert Ogden Arena is under construction, it was announced that Alejandro Fernandez and Los Tigres del Norte have been added to the list of performers to debut at the newest and state-of-the-art arena.
Richard Molina, Mayor of Edinburg said, “I could be selfish sometimes, and when I’m listening Mr. Bob Vackar talking how many vehicles he sold this past couple of days, I only want to know what they sold in Edinburg, that’s what pertains to me.”
He continued, “When it comes to all the investments that Mr. Cantu makes throughout the Valley, I don’t want to know anything that he does except but when he does it in the great city of Edinburg. Because my job as the mayor is to do two things; recruit people to the city to live and to recruit businesses.” He also said, “I’m proud that this structure sits here today. So, on behalf of the Mayor and the Edinburg City Council, we back up this arena 100 percent, and I can’t wait to get this place rocking and rolling.”
The occasion was exclusive to announce the tour “Rompiendo Fronteras” with Los Tigres del Norte and Alejandro Fernandez, however, the timing was perfect to introduce the Chief Executive Officer of the Bert Ogden Arena, Mr. Marc Solis.
Who better than he to lead the entertainment and facilities division as CEO. He has over 30 years of experience in venue management, has opened several venues including Toyota Field, Laredo Energy Arena, the American Bank Center, He has also managed the Alamo Dome and is a familiar face in the Valley.
“I want to thank our naming rights partner Mr. Bob Vackar for being here. Your wife Janet was unable to attend today’s event, she’s out of town, but I thank you for being here and Marsha Green vice president of marketing for Bert Ogden, all the sponsors, public officials, and I also want to acknowledge Mr. Larry Safir and Mayor Molina,” said Solis.
As the ceremony was taking place, construction workers or the ‘unsung heroes’ as Solis said, are working day and night to finish this arena.
He paused for a moment and said, “Every great organization has great vision, morals, and character. All of those are championed by the chairman of our organization Mr. Alonzo Cantu.”
Cantu has been a driving force in South Texas in multiple fields, being that construction, banking, master community development, and health care to mention a few. Even though the Valley has great businesspeople shaping the area, Cantu is one who is synonymous with opportunities, job creation, and progress.
Solis pointed out, “I’d also like to recognize two individuals who, without their vision and drive, we wouldn’t be here today in that it is the CEO of the Sports Division Rene Borrego and the President of the Vipers and the Toros, Bert Garcia.” It was also announced that Myra Olivarez debuted that day as Director of Sales for the Arena. According to Solis, the new Bert Ogden Arena will undoubtedly be a first-class venue and one of the finest he has ever seen. “It’s been a game changer for sure for South Texas.”
Mr. Vackar was welcomed at the podium, and he said, “If I looked a little shaky coming up here, I was. I have all this right here, but I think I have it memorized. But my wife is burning my phone up and now Johnny’s phone and now Marsha’s phone, which it is. And she told me to make one thing clear which we have already made clear here, this is not the opening act.”
He continued, “This is another great act that Mr. Cantu and his organization is bringing in. This performance celebrates 25 years in making music and performing, and he is promoting his 19th and latest album Breaking Borders, Mexican vocalist Alejandro Fernandez together with Los Tigres del Norte.”
Mr. Vackar said he was happy and proud to be associated with Mr. Cantu. “Richard thank you for this morning. Great words and it is great to work with the City of Edinburg. This is a class act, we are proud to be part of it, and my wife is sorry that she couldn’t be here.”
At the end of the ceremony, I approached Mr. Cantu and asked him, “when will this arena be finished? “In about six weeks,” he said.
